Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into something truly spectacular, combining the rich, buttery flavors of French brie with the sweet-tart burst of cranberries.
It’s the kind of dish that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen but comes together in under 45 minutes – making it perfect for both impressive dinner parties and cozy family meals.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each)
- 4 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 2 teaspoons dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Toothpicks for securing
Cooking Instructions
1.
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, prepare your chicken breasts by placing them on a clean cutting board.
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal pocket into the thickest part of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through – you want to create a pocket that’s about 3/4 of the way through the breast.
2.
In a small bowl, combine the brie pieces, dried cranberries, and fresh thyme leaves. Mix gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
This will be your delicious stuffing mixture that creates the show-stopping center of your chicken.
3.
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, rubbing the seasonings in gently with your hands.
Stuff each chicken breast pocket generously with the brie and cranberry mixture, then secure the opening with 2-3 toothpicks to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking.
4.
Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the stuffed chicken breasts to the pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Don’t move the chicken too early – let that beautiful golden crust develop.
5.
Add butter to the skillet around the chicken breasts, allowing it to melt and foam. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, honey, and balsamic vinegar, then pour this mixture around (not over) the chicken in the skillet.
6.
Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
7.
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before removing the toothpicks and slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy.
Drizzle the pan juices over the sliced chicken before serving.
Variations
Apple Walnut Brie Stuffed Chicken:
Replace the cranberries with diced Granny Smith apples and add 1/4 cup chopped walnuts to the stuffing mixture. This variation brings a lovely autumn flavor profile with the crunch of nuts and tartness of fresh apples complementing the creamy brie perfectly.
Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Version:
For a Mediterranean twist, substitute the cranberries with chopped sun-dried tomatoes and add 1/2 cup wilted spinach to your brie mixture. This creates a more savory profile that pairs beautifully with herb-roasted potatoes.
Keto-Friendly Adaptation:
This recipe is naturally low-carb, but you can make it even more keto-friendly by using sugar-free dried cranberries and replacing the honey in the pan sauce with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia.
Dairy-Free Alternative:
Swap the brie for a high-quality dairy-free cream cheese mixed with nutritional yeast and herbs. While it won’t have the exact same flavor profile, it creates a creamy, satisfying filling that accommodates dairy sensitivities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can stuff the chicken breasts and season them up to 4 hours before cooking. Simply cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.
You may need to add an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time if cooking straight from the refrigerator. However, avoid stuffing them too far in advance as the salt can draw out moisture from the chicken.
Q: What should I do if my brie is too soft to cut into pieces?
A: Pop your brie in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before cutting. This firms it up enough to cut cleanly into small pieces without making a mess.
Alternatively, you can use a small spoon to scoop small portions directly into the chicken pockets.
Q: My chicken is cooking unevenly. What am I doing wrong?
A: Uneven cooking usually happens when chicken breasts are dramatically different sizes. Try to select breasts that are similar in thickness, or pound thicker breasts to an even thickness before stuffing.
Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated and consider using an oven thermometer to verify the temperature is accurate.
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: Yes, but fresh cranberries will release more moisture and tartness. If using fresh, chop them roughly and consider adding a teaspoon of honey to the stuffing mixture to balance the tartness.
You might also want to sauté them briefly with a little sugar first to soften them slightly.
Q: What sides pair well with this dish?
A: This elegant chicken pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus, creamy mashed potatoes, wild rice pilaf, or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. The rich flavors of the stuffing are complemented by lighter, fresher sides.
This Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken proves that restaurant-quality meals can absolutely be achieved in your own kitchen with simple techniques and quality ingredients.
The combination of creamy, melted brie with sweet-tart cranberries creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner routine, this recipe delivers impressive results every single time.
Don’t forget to Pin this recipe so you can easily find it whenever you want to create something truly special!
Image Credit: https://recipesbyclare.com/
